Human resources development (HRD)

The human resources for health (HRH) action framework

The Human Resources for Health (HRH) Action Framework is designed to assist countries in developing and implementing strategies to achieve an effective and sustainable health workforce. Developed by representatives of partner countries, multilateral and bilateral agencies, donors, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and the academic community, the Framework provides a roadmap for developing national HRH plans for addressing the overall health workforce crisis.

Although the Framework is applicable in all countries, its use will be influenced by the elements specific to the country context (for example, the economy, the political situation), including the labour market (the capacity of the health workforce in general, international labour influences). The outcomes of applying the Framework will also be influenced by the strength of other components in the country’s health system (for example, the availability of drugs and equipment, the level of technology available, and the number and condition of health facilities).

HRH action framework

The HRH Action Framework contains six action fields (policy, finance, education, partnership, leadership, and HR management systems) and four phases of the action cycle (situational analysis, planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation). It provides a simple but comprehensive technical framework to help countries develop a national HRD plan that can be supported by donors and implemented systematically.